Venezuela entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ivorian passport holders need a visa to enter Venezuela in 2026. You must apply at a Venezuelan embassy before you travel — there is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Plan ahead, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Visa required | You need a visa before traveling to Venezuela. Apply at the nearest Venezuelan embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option. Start at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal to find your local consulate and check processing times.Find consulate | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Venezuela. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required | Immigration officers at Venezuelan airports ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel bookings or a letter of invitation from a host in Venezuela can help satisfy immigration. Officers may ask where you are staying — have a printed confirmation or host's address ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or credit cards. Venezuelan immigration can ask to see proof you can support yourself — $50–100 USD per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Ivorian passport holders cannot enter Venezuela without a pre-approved visa. There is no visa on arrival, no e-visa, and no waiver. Plan ahead and apply at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Embassy contact first
Visa requirements and fees can change. Always confirm the current process with the Venezuelan embassy in Abidjan or the nearest Venezuelan consulate before applying.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Venezuelan embassy
Find the Venezuelan embassy in Abidjan or the nearest one (e.g., in Accra or Dakar). Call or email to confirm the current visa application process, fees, and required documents. Some embassies accept applications by mail.
2
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (valid 6+ months), completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements (proof of funds), and a cover letter explaining your trip. Make copies of everything.
3
Submit the application
Submit your application in person or by courier to the embassy. Pay the visa fee (typically around $50–$100 USD, but confirm with the embassy). Processing can take 2–4 weeks.
4
Wait for approval
The embassy will process your application and issue a visa sticker in your passport. You may be asked for an interview. Once approved, check the visa validity dates carefully.
5
Arrive in Venezuela
At the airport (usually Simón Bolívar International in Caracas), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, return ticket, and hotel booking. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your documents handy.
Download Venezuela Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$60 USD (approx. 36,000 XOF)
Allows multiple entries within validity.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
Requires invitation letter from Venezuelan company.
work visa
Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
For those with a job offer from a Venezuelan company. Requires employer sponsorship and labor ministry approval.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Duration of studies, renewable
~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF)
For enrollment in a recognized Venezuelan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa de Inversionista)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
For those investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Venezuelan business. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for Ivory Coast passport holders. | $30 USD (approx. 18,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $60 USD (approx. 36,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF). | $2 USD per day (approx. 1,200 XOF) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Venezuela
Transit visa required
Ivory Coast passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Venezuela, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsSimón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) - Caracas · Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) - Valencia · La Chinita International Airport (MAR) - Maracaibo
Health & vaccines for Venezuela
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission risk, including Ivory Coast.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheriaEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)Essential
Health risks
DengueHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas; use insect repellent.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon region; prophylaxis recommended.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; symptoms include fever and joint pain.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in rural areas, especially Amazon and Orinoco regions; consider prophylaxis like chloroquine or doxycycline.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Caracas
SAIME (Servicio Administrativo de Identificación, Migración y Extranjería)
Av. Baralt, Esq. de Camejo, Edif. SAIME, Caracas
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration procedures.
Maracaibo
SAIME Zulia
Av. 5 de Julio, Edif. SAIME, Maracaibo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Regional office for western Venezuela.
Practical information for CI travellers
Country basics
CapitalCaracas
LanguageSpanish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencyVenezuelan bolívar (VES)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 554.43 VES
Time zone
Local timeUTC-4
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BTypes A and B: two flat pins (ungrounded) and two flat pins with round grounding pin.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for Ivorian citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Venezuelan embassy before you travel.
Processing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The visa fee varies by embassy but is typically between $50 and $100 USD. Confirm the exact amount with the Venezuelan embassy in Abidjan or the nearest one.
You'll need a passport valid for 6+ months, completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, bank statements (last 3 months), and a cover letter. The embassy may ask for additional documents like a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Venezuelan visas are generally not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
It is not always required for the visa application, but it is strongly recommended. Medical facilities in Venezuela often require upfront payment, and a good insurance policy covers evacuation and hospital costs.
If you are transiting through a Venezuelan airport and do not leave the international transit area, you may not need a visa. However, check with your airline and the embassy — some nationalities still require a transit visa.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.